PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at University of Wyoming

Offered online with a residency component, the UW curriculum and instruction program allows you to choose from among four concentrations to satisfy many of your requirements at a distance or face-to-face residency experiences.

Additional Information:

Application Process:

Applications for the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum Studies concentration are due September 1 for spring semester admission and February 1 for summer or fall semester admission.

Applications for the PhD in Curriculum Studies are only reviewed two times per year: immediately after September 1 and immediately after February 1. If you require an earlier decision, please apply for the deadline a year prior to ensure your application can be reviewed in time for planning international study.

Minimal Admissions Criteria for PhD Program

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission; however, meeting minimal admissions criteria does not automatically ensure admission to the program.

• Master's degree from an accredited institute of higher education.

• It is highly recommended these courses are taken prior to admission, but can be taken within the first semesters of admission to the PhD Program. EDRE 5530 Intro to Research, EDCI 5000 Principles of Curriculum, EDCI 5450 Issues in Multicultural Education, and EDCI 5790 Advanced Instructional Strategies, or equivalent coursework.

• Score of "Proficient" or higher on a letter of intent describing academic goals, teaching experiences, and reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Wyoming. This letter serves as a writing sample, an indicator of the applicant's proficiency in writing. For a full description of the letter of intent and scoring categories, see guideline below.

• Three (3) years of P-12 teaching experience or its equivalent.

• Copy of GRE scores, current within the last five years.

• Three letters of recommendation, completed by an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance, a current or recent supervisor, and/or a selected colleague and/or community member.

• Transcript evaluation for undergraduate/graduate degree completion, reflecting a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the applicant's most recent degree from an accredited institution, plus transcripts from all other schools attended.

• A TOEFL score of 525 (paper-based), 197 (computer-based) or above is required for international students. Students may occasionally be admitted provisionally with lower test scores.

• Submission of all required supplemental materials:

Required Supplemental Materials

• Three Letters of Recommendation

• Sample of academic writing

• Transcripts reflecting most recent degree (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale required) from an accredited institution plus transcripts from all other schools attended. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted through the online application. Official ones will be required if admitted.

• Copy of GRE scores

• Letter of Intent describing career goals and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Wyoming

• Resume

• Demonstration of teaching experience

• A TOEFL score of 525 (paper-based), 197 (computer exam) or above is required for international students. Until further notice, due to COVID-19 related postponements/cancellations of TOEFL/IELTS exams, we will be accepting Duolingo scores or 110 or higher as proof of English proficiency.

Please note that meeting minimal admissions criteria does NOT automatically ensure admission to a program.

Guidelines for Letter of Intent

A letter of intent must be submitted with other required admissions materials. The letter of intent serves as a writing sample, an indicator of the applicant's proficiency in writing. The admissions committee will be examining both the quality of the written sample and the depth of its content. In the letter of intent please address the following questions:

• Teaching Experiences: Provide a detailed description of your teaching experiences including how many years you have taught as well as what grades and/or subjects you have taught. Describe crucial aspects of your teaching experience and how you have developed as a teacher as a result of these experiences. Finally explain how your teaching background will influence your graduate studies.

• Personal Strengths: Explain what you will bring to our program and your classes that may demonstrate your ability to be a successful graduate student and ability to contribute to the learning environment.

• Academic Goals: Describe in detail why you wish to pursue a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, including why you want to do so at this time and how you are planning to use the degree in the future. Include a description of specific areas of study you are interested in and include your goals for graduate study and why these goals are important?

• Potential Advisor(s): If you have communicated with a professor(s) in your area of interest and/or she or he has indicated willingness to work with you on your doctorate degree program, please include her or his name in your letter.

The letter should be typed (double-spaced) on 8.5 by 11 inch paper. Letters of intent will be scored by a rubric that evaluates two areas:

• Ideas/Content Development; and,

• Organization/Structure/Mechanics/Format.

Each category is ranked as Outstanding, Proficient, Marginal, or Deficient. An overall score of Proficient is required for acceptance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program.

Guidelines for Academic Resume

Include the following in your resume:

• Personal Information: Name and Contact Information (Address, Phone numbers, email)

• Education: Institution, City, State, Dates Attended, Major, and Degree

• Work Experience: Dates, Job Title, Employer, City, State

• Professional experiences such as: Publications, Presentations and Grants; Continuing Education Activities, Awards/Honors Received; Community and Volunteer Activities; Professional Memberships; other pertinent information

General Requirements for Curriculum & Instruction PhD in Curriculum Studies

Minimum of 81 total credits required.  Students may transfer up to 30 credits from a master's degree program completed at an accredited institution.

Residency Information

PhD Program Requirements | College of Education

If you feel that you have met any degree requirements through a previously obtained master's degree or coursework at another institution, contact your advisor to determine the correct procedure. Note that the Introduction to Doctoral Studies course requirement may not be waived. 

Minimum of 79 total credits required in the following areas: 

Core courses (minimum of 9 credits)

All PhD option areas require PRST 5610 (Intro to Doctoral Studies). In addition, doctoral students, with direction from their committees, will choose a minimum of two additional courses from the remaining five core courses: 

• PRST 5900 (Practicum in College Teaching)

• EDCI 5600 (Diversity)

• EDCI 5810 (Writing for Publication)

• EDCI 5730 (Learning and Cognition)

• EDAD 5720 (Leader as Change Agent)

• EDRE 5660 (Dissertation/Thesis Prospectus Writing)

Cognate courses and advanced courses (minimum of 18 credits) 

Advanced research courses (minimum of 12 credits) 

Dissertation Hours

All PhD Students are required to have a minimum of 12 dissertation credit hours.

Other Requirements

• Preliminary exam (after coursework is completed): Guidelines determined by program, department, or committee

• Program Outcomes: Written demonstration is required to show PhD outcomes are met (determined by program, department, or committee)

• Dissertation (after preliminary exam): Guidelines determined by program, department, or committee

• Residency (check with program area for specific requirements)

Notes: These requirements for a PhD in Education are minimum requirements only. Refer to specific program options for additional requirements, including admissions criteria. Options approved prior to May 2009 may have different requirements.